Integration of wireless communications with modernized power grids: EMI impacts and considerations

SmartGrid has spurred huge enthusiasm in investment and a frenzy to develop various elements of the SmartGrid, including sensing, monitoring, metering, communications, control and automation devices. The integration of information technologies (IT), smart devices and advanced communication technologies with power grids can lead to electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues. The communication infrastructure is the foundation for “smart” devices and will be everyplace where the SmartGrid exists. Therefore, studying the impact of deploying communications equipment in the SmartGrid and understanding the EMI radiated emissions and immunity requirements is important for reducing interference with other SmartGrid devices. This paper provides a brief overview about the electromagnetic environment in power grids and the EMI emissions requirements of international standards for wireless communication equipment to be used in SmartGrid. The impact of SmartGrid environment on the wireless communications equipment and EMI radiated emissions and immunity testing requirements are discussed. The design hardening for improving the radiated immunity performance of SmartGrid equipment is proposed.